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Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N - Orange Nation Peru
Lares trek 4 days - Orange Nation Peru
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Lares Trek to Machu Picchu – 4 Days

Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights

From USD
$517
Group Price
Per person

The 4 days Lares trek to Machu Picchu trekking route is the most scenic and culturally enhancing trail you will ever experience. Our four-day trek through the Lares Valley to Machu Picchu takes you to isolated villages, spectacular snow covered mountain peaks, with prestine lakes, rivers and streams snaking their way through the most tranquil and serene places in the Andes Mountains. What makes this trek the most unique and special is your encounters with indigenous communities, a truly culturally enriching experience, that can only be exclusively experienced on this amazing trail. Learn about the Inca culture from their decedents, who still maintain their ancestor’s way if life, herding llamas and alpacas, weaving and farming using ancient technics and using the star constellation to guide their planting and harvesting seasons.

Our trek also includes a complimentary detour to The Salt Mines (Salineras) in the colonial town of Maras. Discover an age-old tradition that  pre-dates the Incas. This small isolated community still extracts salt the same way their ancestors did.

This trek will enhance your visual senses and take you back to a time when life was as simple as could be.

Service Level:

Spacious and luxurious camping facilities. Private chef for the group. Emergency horse. Exclusive modern vehicles with private driver.

Difficulty:

A moderate to challenging hike. Sufficient acclimatization and pre-trek training is highly recommended. One of the more moderate alternative trails to Machu Picchu.

Travel Style:

Adventure, Hike, train, camping, 1 night mid-tier hotel (option to upgrade) and shuttle bus

Group Size

Small group experience; Max 12, Avg 4..

Trip Details for the Lares Trek, Peru

The 4 day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu begins with an early pick up at 5:00am from your Cusco hotel. Once you are safely strapped into the van, we begin making our way through the Sacred Valley along the Urubamba River towards the small town of Calca.

Our first stop is at the Calca market so you can purchase any last-minute snacks or water. The countless interactions with rural indigenous communities along the trail makes this one of the most unique and must-do treks in Cusco. Consider purchasing small gifts like toys or bread to extend some goodwill to the villagers.

Our journey continues to Cuncani, a village that sits above the clouds. We stop within this indigenous community for our first of many hearty breakfasts prepared by our talented chef. Whilst tucking into your meal, enjoy spectacular views of waterfalls, mountain peaks, green hills and the lush valley.

Once we finish breakfast, we handover our duffel bags to our horsemen, keeping only our day pack with daily essentials. We embark on our first climb towards the highest point for the day, Willqaqasa (4,200m/13,779ft).

On arrival to the summit, we take a break to enjoy the stunning scenery with the occasional clouds gently flowing over the mountains and a number of beautiful lakes scattered across the mountain sides.

There couldn’t be a more perfect spot to dig into our indulgent 5-course lunch, a spread that’s prepared to perfection and could rival some of the best restaurants in Cusco.

After lunch, our trail passes the Pacchayoc Waterfall (7 waters waterfall), a stunning natural phenomenon. We continue on a short 2-hour descent towards Kiswarani. This small isolated village has access to humble flushing toilets, nothing fancy, but definitely a welcomed convenience.

Experience the traditional lifestyle of this indigenous community and spend some time with the rose-cheeked children eager to play and interact with you. Later, our gourmet chef serves a delectable dinner before we head into spacious and comfortable tents for our first night in the Andean Mountains.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities with bathroom building
  • Distance: 12kms / 7 miles
  • Time: 6hrs approximately
  • Difficulty: Moderate

As you emerge from your tent on day two, the lush green mountains that surround you are sprinkled with snow. After a hot drink and a basin of warm water to wash the sleep away, breakfast will be ready and waiting to fuel you for the journey ahead.

Our day really begins as we follow the uphill switchbacks to Pachacutec Pass at 4,700 m / 15,420 ft. It is an intense walk, passing through small thatched stone houses and high passes. However, the summit makes it all worthwhile.

At the summit, immerse yourself in breath taking views of the turquoise Pachacutec lake and the heart of the glacier atop mount Pitusiray. A short descent finds our lunch spot, where we tuck in surrounded by the magic of the mountains. The gentle fog that rolls over the mountain tops will give you an overwhelming feeling of peace, serenity and calmness.

After another abundant lunch , we start a slow descent towards our second camp in the village of Cancha Cancha. Upon arrival, our horsemen will have camp already set up and the chef will serve afternoon tea with snacks.

If you are on the hunt for souvenirs, why not use this opportunity to purchase some homemade textiles from the locals. These goods they sell are homemade from the wool of the many alpacas you see grazing in the fields.

Later, we settle in for dinner, which many consider a phenomenal dining tent experience. After dinner, we join our guide for tales on how the Incas used the constellations to guide their agricultural seasons.

Up to and including today, the locals still follow this ancient farming method. We retire into our tents for our last night of camping in the Andes.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities with bathroom building
  • Distance: 14kms / 10.3 miles
  • Time: 7 to 8hrs approximately
  • Difficulty: challenge

This is the most relaxing day so far- and you deserve it after the hard grind of yesterday. After breakfast we have the possibility to visit the local school of Cancha Cancha, depending on the time of the year.

You can explore the village, meet its people and maybe play a game of soccer with the kids. Once you are ready to continue they journey, we enjoy a relaxing descent, taking us to the end of the Lares Valley Trek. A small serene river is our companion along the trail.

The climate also changes, becoming significantly warmer and the trees and foliage become a bright green, sprouting a variety of vibrant colors. We will pass by many alpacas and llamas and for the first time on the trail, you get to see a few cows and sheep.

Be sure to watch out for farmers harvesting potatoes and beans using traditional tools, and experience firsthand ancient Peruvian agricultural practices.

When we arrive to Huaran, we stop at the river bank for one last meal from our dedicated chef before they have to bid us farewell and head back to their respective highland villages. From Huaran, our private transportation picks us up for a ride through the Sacred Valley to the Salt Mines of Maras.

We spend some time, exploring these fascinating Pre-Inca Salt Mines. The locals have full mining rights and extract salt the same way their ancestors did. It is also another ideal spot to buy some souvenirs from the locals selling pure pink salt.

Finally, we drive to Ollantaytambo town to catch the train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). We stop at a carefully selected restaurant for dinner before checking into our hotel for an exciting day ahead.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Ferre Hotel or similar
  • Distance: 9kms/ 6 miles
  • Time: 4 hrs approximately
  • Difficulty: Moderate

After an early breakfast at your hotel, we join the queue for the bus up to Machu Picchu at 5:30am, just in time to witness the sunrise. Somehow even better than the pictures, this mystical site is the pinnacle of many travelers trips to Peru.

Watch as the sun creeps over the mountains, and as the morning light glances off the peaks that surround you, your guided tour of the citadel begins. The tour shares many important parts of the citadel with you, and lasts for roughly 2 hours.

If you have booked an additional hike- either to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu, you will be able to climb the peak after the tour has finished. When you have had your fill of the citadel, head back down to Aguas Calientes on one of the waiting shuttle buses.

Once you arrive back in the town, grab some lunch (not included), and explore the market, visit the hot springs, or simply treat yourself to a happy hour until your scheduled train departure.

The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, and the tracks follow the spectacular Urubamba River. Once you arrive in Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station, taking you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private van. You can expect to arrive at your hotel at around 7:00pm.

  • Meal: Breakfast
  • Difficulty: Easy

****Huayna Picchu, the ‘Young Mountain’ in Quechua is known for being part of the vast majority of the panoramic photos of Machu Picchu citadel. Climbing Huayna Picchu, you may see some archaeological sites, including the Temple of the Moon that the Incas built in a natural cave. At the top of Huayna Picchu, there are small terraces and some buildings that were a part of an astronomical observatory and is a point of guardianship to the citadel.

*** Machu Picchu Mountain is above the Sacred City of Machu Picchu with breathtaking views of Machu Picchu, a unique sight like no other place in the world. The Quechua name translates to ‘Old Mountain.’ Machu Picchu Mountain’s summit was used by Inca priests to perform rituals high above their sacred citadel!

WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR THE 4 DAY LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?

  • Transfer from the airport to hotel
  • Private transportation
  • Local Licensed guide fluent in English, Spanish and Quechua
  • Exclusive access to our private swimming pool and sauna at the Veronica View Hotel
  • Round trip train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and a transfer back to Cusco
  • 2 Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes
  • Admission ticket to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex
  • Private guided tour in Machu Picchu for 2 hours
  • Hotel with private bathroom, hot shower, wifi, storage and buffet breakfast included
  • 4 person EUREKA tent for every 2 trekkers
  • Comfortable foam sleeping pad and camping pillow
  • Delicious gourmet meals at camp
  • Chef and cooking equipment, dining tent, cooking tent and toilet tent
  • Horseman and mules, to carry all camping and personal equipment (7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bag will be carried by our mules)
  • Provision of a horse in case of emergency – In case of illness, to ensure trek can be completed by all participants
  • First-aid kit, including emergency oxygen tank
  • Boiled water to fill your bottles
  • Interaction with the local kids and community people
  • Backpack rain cover

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED FOR THE LARES TREK?

  • Sleeping Bag –$20 USD per person per trek (They are steam cleaned after every trek)
  • Air Mattress –$20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking Poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
  • Personal tent -$30 USD – (It applies ONLY for single traveler, Please request when you book your trek)
  • Vistadome Train Upgrade -$57 USD per person (Return Only )
  • Huayna Picchu Mountainn -$75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
  • Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
  • Single supplement for standard hotel: $35USD per night (for solo travelers with single room)

The best Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is available on any date that its best for you.

Price without hotel
$ 497USD p/p
3* Hotel $517 USD
4* Hotel $?? USD

***Minimum 2 persons required to open up a new group – solo trekkers may join an existing group.
*** This price includes the extra pack horse which will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs, guided tour in and we will provide you with a duffel bag.
***We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers.

OPTIONAL UPGRADES:

  • VISTADOME TRAIN: $57 USD per person (Return Only)
  • La Cabaña Hotel: $60 USD per person
  • Tierra Viva Hotel: $90 USD per person
  • El Mapi Hotel: $120 USD

DISCOUNTS

  • Under 11 years old: $40 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
  • Group of 5 or more: $30 USD. – All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.

EXTRAS

  • Sleeping Bag –$20 USD per person per trek (They are steam cleaned after every trek)
  • Air Mattress –$20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking Poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
  • Personal Tent -$30 USD – (Tent is for solo trekkers only)
  • Additional Night in Aguas Calientes – From $60 USD (depending on availability)
  • Vistadome Train Upgrade -$57 USD per person
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain -$75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
  • Single supplement for standard hotel: $40 USD per night (for solo travelers with single room)

ADDED VALUES FOR FREE

  • TRANSFER – from the Airport to Hotel (Cusco Only)
  • DUFFEL BAG AND LINER BAGS – included in the trekking price
  • EXTRA PORTER is included in the price, the porter will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs/15p like sleeping bag, mattress, clothes etc
  • BOILED WATER is included along the Lares Trek Machu Picchu
  • OXYGEN TANK will be available along the Lares Trek Machu Picchu
  • EMERGENCY HORSE is included in the price which can be ridden if you get tired or sick
  • CAMPING PILLOW
  • PLASTIC RAIN PONCHO
  • GUIDED TOUR OF MARAS SALINERAS: Enjoy and explore the amazing Pre-Inca site, one of the famous in the Sacred Valley
  • BEST ITINERARY operated by Lares Trek Machu Picchu specialist only
  • extra blanket for the tent are included in the trek price!

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

  • Original Passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
  • Valid University card (if you booked as a student)
  • Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
  • Water storage: 2-3L (Please bring reusable, not disposable bottles)
  • Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented from Orange)
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Toilet paper

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG FOR LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

As a Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra pack horse which will carry up to 7 kgs or 14lbs including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.

  • 2 t-shirts
  • 2 hiking pants at least
  • 4 sets of undergarments
  • 3 sets of hiking socks
  • Bathing Suit for the thermal waters
  • Fleece/ Thermals
  • Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
  • Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
  • Comfortable shoes for camp
  • Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger
  • Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
  • Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
  • Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them
  • Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us

TOILETRIES

  • Face moisturizer
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Personal medications
  • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK FOR LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

We highly recommend a small backpack 30L to 40L for hiking in the day. The rangers s will not allow you to enter Machu Picchu with a big backpack. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.

  • Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time.
  • Sun Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Wool Hat
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
  • Coca leaves
  • Rain plastic poncho (provided by ORANGE)
  • Gloves
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips

Why travel with Orange Nation Peru?

We have become the leaders in small group adventure travel over the past three decades by consistently listening to our travelers and delivering what they desire: adaptable itineraries, the freedom to explore, smaller group sizes, safety and peace of mind, and knowledgeable local guides who provide unique insights into the destination that would be missed through any other means of travel.

Learn more

EXPERT GUIDES : Our expedition staff are experienced, enthusiastic and among the best in the industry - they are our secret to success

SMALL GROUPS: Travelling with us will always feel like going with friends and not with a group of strangers in an organized tour.

OUR EXPERIENCE: With fifteen years’ experience and over 25 Packages to Machu Picchu alone, our team knows how to deliver a successful expedition.

ENVIRONMENTAL: Education and conservation are our passion. We aim to create lifelong ambassadors for the protection of all wilderness areas.

Welcome

Our Reviews

Discover why thousands of people around the world trust us to explore the best of Peru.

Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor Reviewed by

5.0

645 reviews
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Jaffet hasan c

The guys were very efficient throughout the trip and attentive when we arrived at the campsite. The kitchen service was super delicious , the food quality and healthy, dishes suitable for people (vegans) and a buffet that has nothing to envy others.
Their kindness and efficiency are greatly appreciated for this journey to the Inca Way.

Written June 22, 2025

Friends

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Glen

We had a great experience doing the 4d3n Inca Trail. Our porters were so hard working and made sure our tents and equipment were always ready for us. The chef Mario was outstanding and prepared restaurant quality vegetarian food everyday. Our guide Carlos made the trip exceptional, always making sure we were informed and making sure we were all enjoying the trail. He went above and beyond to encourage me when I was unwell. He made the trip the best ever. A beautiful and wonderful trek.

Written July 14, 2025

Family

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Kendall C

Hiking the Short Inca Trail was hands-down one of the highlights of my entire trip to Peru. This trek is the perfect option if you want a taste of the iconic Inca Trail without committing to the full 4-day hike.

From the moment we started the hike at KM 104 Carlos our guide was amazing and patient. we were surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, lush cloud forests, and fascinating Inca ruins. The trail itself is moderately challenging—expect a steady incline, stone steps, and a bit of cardio—but it’s absolutely doable for anyone with a decent fitness level. The sense of accomplishment when you reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu is

Written July 8, 2025

Couples

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